Out-the-Back Market - Review

Out-the-Back Market - Review

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Posted 2015-03-23 by Jenfollow

Today (Sat 21 March 2015) was the birth of the Out-the-Back Market in Tecoma . Located behind the shops off Sandells road and opposite the Op shop across the street, the market has been given a wide open air location with lots of room to expand further back amongst slightly unkempt ground. Kinda au naturel and fits right into the scenery of rolling hills in the background. Take note of upcoming market dates at the very end of this article.

Knowing the market organiser Eva, I arrived like an old friend to witness the birth of this baby. It's no where near as big as her other market, ( Belgrave South Community Market ) in Belgrave which has around 70 stalls. However it has room for growth, especially as more stalls are planned for the next market which hopes to include fresh produce straight from the land to your hand.


A collaboration between Indie Market Place and Tecoma Traders Association it's hoped that the market will re-invigorate and bring the community together to enjoy Tecoma's very own market. A monthly meeting place where friends and neighbours can gather and one which connects the community and boosts local and small businesses.

As a first time market there were not many stalls while the waters are being tested. All stallholders know that the first market in a small town of under 3000 people is going to be a hard sell, so high praise to the organisers and the stallholders for batting against the odds to make this happen.

Here's to the community getting behind these small businesses, locals included and making this market square a place to look forward to and enjoy each month. For it to attract many people to Tecoma who will then hopefully sample what this town has to offer thus boosting business.

Bacchus Marsh comes to mind for me as I've personally recently experienced how hard the tourist association works to attract customers and visitors to keep the town vibrant and profitable for local businesses and farmers. They hold festivals ( Harvest Festival ) and other special events ( Strawberries and Cherries Weekend ) and the testament to their success is being ranked third nationally as the most desirable location in regional Australia.



Make sure you put upcoming market dates in your diary and I'm sure the lovely stallholders will be looking forward to seeing you there. The great thing about markets is that it's not all about selling. The stallholders are happy to chat and thus create a great ambiance that adds to the experience.

The first stall I stopped at was Mrs B's British Bakes, even though on Facebook she's called Mrs B's British Bakery . This is a sister company of Crumbs! Celebration Cakes which also has a website . You really need to check out the website of this accomplished baker who's won 1st prize in Open Wedding Cake Class at The Cake Bake and Sweet Show in Melbourne. She was also awarded Art of Cake Champion!

Getting back to the 'Bakery' which was the stall at the market, I can personally say I thoroughly enjoyed the shortbread and other goodies I purchased. Make sure you check out the larger pictures of this stall so you can read the spiel next to her goodies. Email [email protected] or call 0418 528 200 to get in touch with Mrs B. Perhaps this will entice you to the next market.


I was personally thrilled to see a couple of local businesses get involved. I asked the stallholder from Reptarium why she was at the market seeing she has a shop in town. She wanted more exposure as sadly a lot of people she's come across have said that they didn't even know she was there at her shop premises. Here's hoping all this changes for them. You can check them out at 1543 Burwood Highway in Tecoma. You can also email them at [email protected] or call 9754 8994.


Freya's Fancies is a refreshing delight with her happy smile and quirky home wares and decor. Her cake stands and afternoon tea tiers made up from English crockery could easily have come out of Alice in Wonderland. You can even rent her vintage crockery for your next big event. It'll certainly be a talking point at a hen's high tea, wedding and engagement parties or even a kid's tea party. What I thought were store decorations turned out to be some of Freya's stock of hanging crystals and pom pom garlands which were also for sale. Catch Freya on 0439 854 673.


Tenae Lily's fashion accessories are bright and colourful like her smile and her choice of items definitely suit my taste. You'll find quite a few clutch purses and handbags made by the hill tribes people of Thailand. She also has some real leather handbags she's designed and had made. That's just the tip of the iceberg; you really need to get down to the market to check out her stall that's filled with much more. Her email is [email protected] or you can call her on 0407 549 209.


Scent with Luv Candles are hand poured and triple scented candles made from 100% soy wax using natural ingredients like cotton wicks and premium oils. With no paraffin wax or additives, it gives you a cleaner burn. You can even suggest a scent and they'll make it up especially for you. Mind you they already have 46 on the list to choose from but I guess it could be fun to create your own fragrance. It's great to see an environmentally conscious approach when you're offered a dollar off your next candle purchase if you recycle by returning your empty jar.



D.M.G. Fashion is for the jersey lovers, young and old alike. Perhaps you can even get a matching baseball cap or a knitted beanie with a pom pom. There's also an array of tees to choose from. Feel free to contact them on 0401 711 775.


Cafe 1551 is local with premises at 1551 Burwood Highway in Tecoma (0421 549 323). I didn't ask but I'm going to guess that the 10 squares at the back of the business card means buy 10 and get 1 free? It however definitely says on the small flyer that if you purchase a small dine in coffee, you receive the next small for half price. I certainly sampled their homemade goodies but didn't get a chance to test the coffee claiming to be the best in the hills of this local cafe. I can however report that the caramel slice was delicious and rich as it ought to be.


I have a lot of admiration for the skills of The Calico Co and admit to having a penchant for cloth dolls. These ones are all lovingly and skilfully handmade. It's great to see the raggedy Ann and Andy and the Golliwogs of old that's bound to evoke a lot of nostalgia for many. Apart from liking them on Facebook like many of the stallholders here, you can contact them on email: [email protected] or on 0432 175 164.


Rubydragon jewellery reflects the young fresh approach of the owner of this handmade jewellery boutique. You'll find lots to look at and you're bound to find something to match your wardrobe. There's rockabilly influenced jewellery as well as quite a few superheroes among many other styles and designs. How could I resist buying a Superman necklace. If you see anything you like or would like to order something especially made for you, call 0416 587 111 or email [email protected]


Leanne's Custom Pots is the stall you visit to have your own little patch of garden in a tub made up. Just choose the plants you want in your pot and away you go, be it herbs, vegetables or some potted colour. Also makes a great unique gift that keeps on giving. You'll find Leanne on Facebook or by emailing [email protected]


Crafts of Hearts n Hands had some really cute well made cloth animals and characters you could string together, add bells and whistles and use it as something to keep baby amused in the pram. Their website does not appear to be working, but their blogspot is. However it's outdated as the last entry was back in 2013. That's because Sarah who started this self-funded non-profit project 10 years ago hasn't been as active as she'd love to be. She's busy trying to get accumulated stock out the door so that money generated from it can be ploughed back in to support the artisans. If you're interested as a retail stallholder or if you're a giftshop and want to buy wholesale, contact her on [email protected]

The products are bought from disadvantaged people from south western China, northern Thailand and the Borneo region. Training is provided in their villages by the local cooperative to make needle crafts to generate an income to support themselves. The items were definitely of a great standard and how could I not pick up a little elongated long legged teddy.


MrDuk needs no introduction. His pies and tarts are delicious, so that was lunch sorted for me, plus a take home package for my daughter. I have to report that even cold, his pastry remains light and delicious. The best part about MrDuk is that he has a few teams that go out to various markets so you're bound to find him at one. Otherwise you can always find him at the Belgrave South Community Market monthly among many others, and every Wednesday at the University Square Farmers Market in the city. 'Catch me if you can' should be his catch-cry so LIKE his Facebook page to hang on to the coattails of MrDuk's movement.


Last but not least at the information stall there were a few items belonging to Bubidi Boo who was at another market but kindly left some of her wares to add to the occasion. She has to be the napkin folding queen I deduce as her little face washers were folded into perfect looking bunnies. Check her out for a great selection of hand made hair accessories, bags, booties (can be made to order to suit your needs) and more. You can also contact her via email on [email protected]


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205014 - 2023-06-16 05:37:52

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